Lena Bergström: Pushing the boundaries for glass
By Malin Norman | Photos: Orrefors Kosta Boda
Kosta is a must-visit destination in southern Sweden. Its historic glassworks are rooted in Scandinavian design tradition, craftsmanship and quality. Scan Magazine meets Lena Bergström, the celebrated designer who has created incredible glass art here for almost 30 years.
In the deep forests of Småland lies the small community of Kosta, in the heart of what is called the Glass Kingdom. Here, glass has been made for generations. In 1742, Kosta Glasbruk, now called Kosta Boda, was founded here by two of Charles XII’s generals, Koskull and Staël von Holstein. And since 1898, Orrefors has made fantastic glassware, also nearby in Småland. These days, the two historic glassworks are joined under the same owner.
Lena Bergström. Photo: Emma Möllerberg
Glass has been made here for generations and to this day, the craft lives on – with modern design and world-class creativity. Rooted in Scandinavian design tradition, sustainable quality and innovation, these two glassworks offer premium products designed by talented glass artists.
Squeeze vases, design by Lena Bergström for Orrefors.
Designer who sees the material’s soul
Award-winning Swedish designer and glass artist Lena Bergström has designed glass for Orrefors and Kosta Boda for almost three decades. She is behind, among other things, the best-selling designs Carat and Squeeze, favourites in many homes.
Lena Bergström and Verkstad 12, ahead of a glass show.
Raised in Umeå, Bergström’s northern roots and her love of natural materials such as glass, birch, linen and wool shape her design language. Her art is characterised by organic shapes, elegant play of light and colour, as well as sophisticated textures and patterns.
Kosta Boda Art Hotel, Planets. Design by Lena Bergström.
Inspired by fashion and textile design, architecture and nature, Bergström’s designs have a way of merging tradition, craftsmanship and innovation. In a way, she is pushing the boundaries of what can be done. “When designing, I work intuitively,” she says. “I start with an idea and see where the material takes me.” An example is the vase Squeeze, which was born by chance. “A mistake in the production caused dents in the glass; however, the squeezed indentations break the symmetry and hold the flowers together better – like a vase should.”
Kosta Boda Art Hotel, Open Landscape Dawn. Design by Lena Bergström.
Based in Stockholm, Bergström designs collections for Kosta Boda and Orrefors, in close collaboration with the glass makers. Her art and designs are also exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. For instance, last year she had a solo exhibition Supernova at Vessel Gallery in London, a gallery that Bergström has collaborated with for many years. She is also represented at the National Museum in Stockholm, the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, among others.
Bergström’s glass art at Kosta Boda Art Hotel and Kosta Boda Art Gallery
Until 27 September, Kosta Boda Art Gallery will show her solo exhibition Universe by Lena. Here, you will be taken on a journey through the designer’s own universe of glass, with new works and well-known favourites. Each work carries its own story of light, energy and beauty. At the centre is the Supernova series, a continuation on her famous Planets.
When visiting Kosta, you will also be able to see Bergström’s glass art at Kosta Boda Art Hotel. A tribute to Swedish glass art, the colourful design hotel is decorated by Kosta Boda’s designers. Opened in 2009, the hotel is a showroom for glass – and everything you see is for sale.
Four new rooms at the hotel have been designed by Bergström: the sparkling superior room Carat, with specially-designed prism tiles and spectacular chandelier, and the stylish rooms Planets, Open Landscape Dawn and Open Landscape Dusk. They all have a warm atmosphere where soft colours and subdued lighting interact to create a sense of calm and reflection. “Nature has always been important to me,” says Bergström. “In the meeting between nature and urban, organic and sharp, fields of tension arise that characterise my design.”
At Kosta Boda Art Hotel, Bergström’s interior magic becomes part of the overall experience – material, light and form interact to create an environment beyond the ordinary, seen for instance in the light fixtures in the hotel restaurant’s atrium. All glass is mouth-blown at Kosta Glassworks, which gives each object a unique character and a clear connection to the local craftsmanship.
Spa at Kosta Boda Art Hotel. Photo: Destination Kosta
Glassworks, glass bar and more
Also make sure to visit Kosta Glasbruk, Sweden’s oldest operating glassworks. “Here, you can experience the Kosta Boda and Orrefors glass production process up close,” says Bergström. “The glass is mouth-blown or cast into a mould, then cooled and polished. Some glass objects are also painted in the painting studio.” The glassworks is open every day of the week, with possibilities to go on a guided tour or try your hand at glassblowing.
There is much more to discover in Kosta. You can enjoy a drink in the Glass Bar – an underwater world in glass – have coffee at the bakery, try Småland’s largest ice cream, locally brewed beer or Kosta’s own gin. In the surrounding nature, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, mountain biking adventures and safari tours among deer, bison and wild boar.
Kosta is a place where history meets the future – with world-class glass art, fun activities and beautiful nature in perfect harmony.
Carat candlestick, design by Lena Bergstsröm for Orrefors.
Universe by Lena, Kosta Boda Art Gallery
15 November 2025 to 27 September 2026
Lena Bergström has celebrated triumphs around the world with her glass works for Orrefors and Kosta Boda. This exhibition takes visitors on an enchanting journey through Bergström’s universe in the spirit of glass.
A selection of upcoming events in Kosta:
5 September, Kosta Outlet 20th anniversary
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Kosta Outlet offers fun competitions, music performances and a great atmosphere.
12 September, Eat & Go - Taste Kosta
Discover exciting flavours and new places. Visit six different restaurants, including the magical Glasbaren at Kosta Boda Art Hotel.
19 September, Historic cabin herring evening
Journey back to the heyday of glassworks and experience one of the Kingdom of Crystal's most beloved traditions.
19 September, VIP Kingdom of Glass
A journey through history, glass and gastronomy. Stay at Kosta Boda Art Hotel, experience a guided tour of Sweden's oldest glassworks and enjoy a traditional cabin herring evening.
3 October, Kosta Wine & Food Festival, Craft Arena
A day filled with exhibitors, wine tastings, and much more. This is a festival for those who appreciate the good things in life!
www.lenabergstrom.se
www.destinationkosta.se
www.orrefors.se
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